Greetings Reader,

Let's get real! Whether you're starting a business or a startup (yes, there's a difference), you're about to take on significant personal risks and responsibilities. You might even consider bringing in investors, which raises the crucial question: "Is your idea strong enough to justify risking other people's money?"

Either way, you are probably thinking about how committed you are to your company, but I submit that you should be more interested in how connected you are. A business that aligns with your mission and values is more likely to inspire confidence and satisfaction in your work. If you are connected to your business, it will foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment, making your professional journey more meaningful and rewarding.

If you are raising capital, early-stage investors are investing in you as much as your company. If you are not connected with a personal story, conviction or underlying mission, your business plan and presentation will have a gap that cannot be overcome while being grilled by a savvy investor.

Get Connected to Your Personal Mission

Starting a new venture is incredibly exciting but brace yourself—the emotional high you feel on "Day 0" is going to be the peak of your anxious exuberance. Within days or weeks, you'll face your first setback, and many more will follow. The realization that there is a lot of work ahead sets in. There will be times when the light at the end of the tunnel seems dim, and you'll find yourself 49% frustrated and only 51% confident in your success. This is when passion starts to wane, and self-doubt creeps in. You'll encounter arguments with your spouse, business partners, and others, making life feel far from enjoyable. This is not a good time to go soul-searching and trying to figure out who you are and why you’re involved.

This is why I strongly disagree with the advice to "follow your passions." Passion burns hot and then burns out. It's easily swayed by criticism and praise. Passion is also vulnerable and reactive to the daily news cycle, unsolicited opinions, and the market’s greed cycle. Mission driven leaders remain stoic and focused, they listen and learn, and are always cognizant of their industry, market and their long-term objectives.

Is it bad to have some passion for your business? Not at all. However, a well-developed personal mission builds your passion, aligns it with your goals, helps you set limits, and helps you act ethically and morally.

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What should we learn from DeepSeek AI

On January 20, 2025, DeepSeek rocked the US Markets with an announcement that it can nearly match the capabilities of ChatGPT at a much cheaper price. A week later, government officials, news outlets, and Ai competitors are struggling to understand the ramifications of the announcement as users flock to DeepSeek R1 in the millions.

The day before the announcement, there was exactly one (1) Facebook ad running for the keyword DeepSeek. However, in just two weeks since, there are now ~560 according to the Facebook Ad Library. Many ads start with, “If you’re not using DeepSeek in your business, your missing out!” Yet, two days earlier several of the companies were running the same ads about ChatGPT?

To be brief, these companies are the epitome of the greed cycle who are committed to profit but not personally connected to a higher mission or ethically grounded.

• Two days is not enough time to vet new technologies, especially when that technology is AI.
• DeepSeek is using GPU’s that they can no longer legally import. China will need to engage in subterfuge in order to reach parity with American companies.^1,2
• What impetus is there for DeepSeek to act responsibly while developing AI?^3,4\
• How does China create an AI steeped in Western Culture Domain Models in a matter of months? Did the US government (and companies) allow China to gain illegal access to our private information.^5,6 Does the Average American even care that China knows more about them then they do?

My gut is telling me that ‘price’ cannot be the only reason to abandon my principles and engage with a communist regime that may have stolen my data, is currently helping Russia invade a sovereign country, and is threatening Taiwan and the United States with war. My guiding principles forbid me to change my business model.

The end goal of any business is to be successful and profitable. Everyone knows what profitability is, but only you can define your own success. I understand why you want things faster and cheaper. There will be no shortage of social causes, get-rich-quick schemes, surefire success models, and cheaper alternatives. There will always be pressure to develop sustainable resources, protect the environment, support the local 4-H, or donate to a local charity—all worthwhile causes and individual choices.

Again, your personal mission will be there to help you make ethical decisions, maintain safety, and reduce risk when cutting costs and increasing revenue.

What Do You Want to Do with Your Life?

I think I may have accidentally quoted a Twisted Sister music video. Miles Davis said it better, “Time isn’t the main thing, It’s the only thing.” Time ticks away at the same pace for all of us and you’re not going to beat the clock. You will never get this time back. But there are two ways your time investment can pay dividends.

• Be successful enough to enjoy the benefits of your hard work.
• Build a legacy that endures past your death.

Some of you will choose to create generational wealth. Others may choose to donate their money or start a foundation. Many will sell their business and retire, travel and enjoy the rest of their life. But rest assured that your time investment must pay dividends just like your financial investments.

Excluding factors such as disease, disaster, war, acts of God, and incarceration, everyone should assume you spend your time doing the things that you want. Justifying the time it takes to start a business involves understanding and communicating your personal mission, long-term benefits and potential returns to those around you.

• Starting a business requires laying a solid foundation on which you can grow. Research, planning and garnering cohesive support takes time.
• Taking the time to develop a high-quality product or service, gaining customer feedback, and providing value early in the process enhances your credibility and reputation in the marketplace
• A well-thought-out business plan will help you communicate with your support team, attract investors, and secure funding
• Proper planning and preparation help identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Building a loyal customer base takes time and energy. Finding customers that can identify with your mission and providing excellent customer service will reduce setbacks.
• Emphasize to your wife, family, friends and colleagues that today’s investment is an investment in the future. Your in this for the long-Term to provide for your needs and desires, build a legacy for posterity, and/or change the world for the better.

Create Your Personal Mission Statement

A personal mission statement declares your values, aspirations, and guiding principles. A well-formed statement will help you clarify your purpose and make better decisions.

You will notice that SpaceX, Tesla, The Boring Company, and Hyperloop all share a common goal: saving humanity! Whether it's living on Mars or saving the planet, these companies align with Elon Musk’s personal mission to reduce emissions, conserve energy, reduce waste, and more.

Before this, Musk set out to create city guide software for newspapers and revolutionize online payments with PayPal. Later, Musk expanded his mission: “If something is important enough, you should try, even if the probable outcome is failure.” Elon’s updated mission statement allows him to expand his endeavors to Starlink, X, Neuralink, xAI, and DOGE.

Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

1. Reflect on Your Values: Think about what is most important to you. What principles guide your decisions and actions? Your mission statement should reflect your core values.
2. Identify Your Strengths and Passions: Consider what you are good at and what you love doing. Your mission statement should align with your strengths and passions to ensure it is both achievable and fulfilling.
3. Define Your Purpose: Ask yourself why you do what you do. What impact do you want to have on the world or the people around you? Your purpose should be at the heart of your mission statement.
4. Set Long-Term Goals: Think about where you want to be in the future. What are your long-term aspirations? Your mission statement should provide a clear direction towards these goals.
5. Keep It Concise: A mission statement should be brief and to the point. Aim for one to two sentences that clearly articulate your mission without unnecessary details.
6. Use Positive Language: Frame your mission statement in a positive and inspiring way. Focus on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid.
7. Make It Actionable: Your mission statement should include actionable elements. Use verbs that convey action and commitment, such as "strive," "create," "inspire," or "support."
8. Be Authentic: Ensure that your mission statement genuinely reflects who you are and what you believe in. Authenticity will make it more meaningful and motivating.
9. Review and Revise: Your mission statement may evolve over time as you grow and change. Regularly review and update it to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with your current goals and values.
10. Seek Feedback: Share your mission statement with trusted friends, family, or mentors. Their feedback can provide valuable insights and help you refine your statement.

Here’s a simple template to get you started: "I strive to [your action] by [how you will achieve it] in order to [your purpose]."

For example: "I strive to inspire and empower others by sharing my knowledge and experiences in order to create a positive impact in my community."

Connecting With Your Personal Mission

Defining and connecting with your personal mission is crucial for long-term success and fulfillment in life and your business endeavors. While passion can ignite your journey, it is your mission that will sustain you through challenges and setbacks. A well-defined mission aligns your values, goals, and actions, providing a clear sense of purpose and direction. It helps you make ethical decisions, build a loyal customer base, and communicate effectively with investors and stakeholders.

Remember, your personal mission is not just about achieving financial success; it's about creating a meaningful impact and building a legacy that endures. As you embark on this journey, take the time to reflect on your values, strengths, and long-term aspirations. Stay true to your mission, and let it guide you through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.